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Serial Rapist Released Despite Danger

SACRAMENTO — The Pillowcase Rapist, linked to 200 sex crimes in Southern California in the 1970s, was released from prison Monday even though officials still consider him dangerous.

Reginald Muldrew, 47, took a commercial flight to Las Vegas, where he told police he planned to stay for one night.

Muldrew, who earned his nickname because he put pillowcases over his victims' heads to conceal his identity, completed his prison term and two six-month extensions for psychiatric evaluations, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Christine May.

"He suffers from a mental disorder which makes him a danger to others and for which treatment is not available outside prison," May said. "But he has served his maximum time in prison."

Since Muldrew completed his parole time in state custody, he does not have to report to parole officers and cannot be restricted in his travel or residence. However, as a sex offender, he would have to register with local police within 10 days if he remained in California. Nevada and many other states have similar laws.